INTRODUCTION:
This Surah consists of 88 verses, 732 sentences, 3,067 letters and 5 Ruku’s.
It takes its name from the alphabetic letter Suad with which it begins.
As will be explained below, according to some traditions this Surah was sent down in the period when the Holy Prophet had started calling the people openly to Islam in Makkah, and this had caused great alarm among the chiefs of the Quraish. If this be true, its period of revelation would be about the 4th year of the Prophethood. According to some other traditions, it was sent down after Hadrat Umar's embracing Islam, and this happened, as is well known, after the migration to Habash. Another chain of the traditions shows that the event which occasioned the revelation of this Surah took place during the last illness of Abu Talib. If this be correct, the period of its revelation would be the 10th or 11th year of the Prophethood.
Here is a resume of the traditions related by Imam Ahmad, Nasa'i, Tirmidhi, Ibn Jarir, Ibn Abi Shaibah, Ibn Aba Hatim, Muhammad bin Ishaq and others:
When Abu Talib fell ill, and the Quraish chiefs knew that his end was near, they held consultations and decided to approach the old chief with the request that he should solve the dispute between them and his nephew. For they feared that if Abu Talib died and then they subjected Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace) to a harsh treatment, after his death, the Arabs would taunt them, saying, "They were afraid of the old chief as long as he lived now that he is dead they have started maltreating his nephew." At least 25 of the Quraish chiefs including Abu Jahl, Abu Sufyan, Umayyah bin Khalaf, As bin Wa'il, Aswad bin al-Muttalib, 'Uqbah bin Abi Mu'ait, Utbah and Shaibah went to Abu Talib. First, they put before him their complaints against the Holy Prophet as usual, then said, "We have come to present before you a just request and it is this: let your nephew leave us to our religion, and we shall leave him to his. He may worship whomever he may please: we shall not stand in his way in this matter; but he should not condemn our gods, and should not try to force us to give them up. Please tell him to make terms with us on this condition". Abu Talib called the Holy Prophet and said, "Dear nephew, these people of your tribe have come to me with a request. They want you to agree with them on a just matter so as to put an end to your dispute with them." Then he told him about the request of the chiefs of the Quraish. The Holy Prophet replied, "Dear uncle: I shall request them to agree upon a thing which, if they accept, will enable them to conquer the whole of Arabia and subject the non-Arab world to their domination." Hearing this the people were first confounded; they did not know how they should turn down such a proposal.
Then, after they had considered the matter, they replied: "You speak of one word: we are prepared to repeat ten others like it, but please tell us what it is." The Holy Prophet said: La ilaha ill-Allah. At this they got up all together and left the place saying what Allah has narrated in the initial part of this Surah.
Ibn Sa'd in his Tabaqat has related this event just as cited above, but, according to him, this did not happen during Abu Talib's last illness but at the time when the Holy Prophet had started preaching Islam openly, and the news of the conversion of one person or the other was being heard almost daily in Makkah. In those days the Quraish chiefs had led several deputations to Abu Talib and had asked him to stop Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace and blessings) from preaching his message, and it was with one of those deputations that this conversation had taken place.
Zamakhshari, Razi, Nisaburi and some other commentators say that this deputation went to Abu Talib at the time then the chiefs of the Quraish had been upset at Hadrat Umar's embracing Islam; but no reference to its basis is available in any book of the traditions, nor have these commentators cited the source of their this information. However, if it be true, it is understandable. For the unbelieving Quraish had already been bewildered to see that the person who had arisen from among themselves with the message of Islam had no parallel in the entire tribe as regarded nobility, purity of character, wisdom and seriousness. Moreover, his right hand man and chief supporter was a man like Abu Bakr, who was well known in and around Makkah as a gentle, righteous and brilliant man. Now when they might have seen that a brave and resolute man like Umar also had joined them, they must have felt that the danger was growing and becoming intolerable.
The Surah begins with a review of the aforesaid meeting. Making the dialogue between the Holy Prophet and the disbelievers the basis, Allah says that the actual reason with those people for their denial is not any defect in the message of Islam but their own arrogance, jealousy and insistence on following the blind. They are not prepared to believe in a man from their own clan as a Prophet of God and follow him. They want to persist in the ideas of ignorance which they have found their ancestors following. And when a person exposes this ignorance and presents the truth before them, they are alarmed and regard it as an oddity, rather as a novel and impossible thing. For them the concept of Tauhid and the Hereafter is not only an unacceptable creed but also a concept which only deserves to be ridiculed and mocked.
Then, Allah, both in the initial part of the Surah and in its last sentences, has precisely warned the disbelievers, as if to say, "The man whom you are ridiculing today and whose guidance you reject will soon overpower you, and the time is not far when in this very city of Makkah, where you are persecuting him, he will overwhelm you completely." Then describing nine of the Prophets, one after the other, with greater details of the story of the Prophets David and Solomon; Allah has emphasized the point that His Law of Justice is impartial and objective, that only the right attitude of man is acceptable to Him, that He calls to account and punishes every wrongdoer, whoever he be, and that He likes only those people who do not persist in wrongdoing but repent as soon as they are warned of it, and pass their life in the world keeping in mind their accountability in the Hereafter.
After this, the final end that the obedient servants and the disobedient people will meet in the Hereafter, has been depicted, and two things have been especially impressed on the disbelievers:
1. That the leaders and guides whom the ignorant people are following blindly in the world, on the way of deviation, will have reached Hell even before their followers in the Hereafter, and the two groups will be cursing each other there;
2. That the disbelievers will be amazed to see that there is no trace whatever in Hell of the believers whom they used to regard as contemptible in the world and will themselves be involved in its torment.
In conclusion, mention has been made of the story of Adam and Iblis (Satan), which is meant to tell the disbelieving Quraish that the same arrogance and vanity which was preventing them from bowing before Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace) had prevented Iblis also from bowing before Adam. Iblis felt jealous of the high rank God had given to Adam and became accursed when he disobeyed His Command. Likewise, "You, O people of Quraish, are feeling jealous of the high rank God has bestowed on Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace) and are not prepared to obey him whom God has appointed His messenger. Therefore, you will be doomed ultimately to the same fate as will be met by Satan."
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Bismi Allahi alrrahmani alrraheemi
Section 1.
38 : 1
1. Sad waalqur-ani thee alththikri
Saad. By the glorious Qur'aan!
38 : 2
2. Bali allatheena kafaroo fee AAizzatin washiqaqin
Nay, but those who disbelieve are sunk in disdain and discord!
38 : 3
3. Kam ahlakna min qablihim min qarnin fanadaw walata heena manasin
How many generations of people We annihilated before them! They did cry for reprieve but only after the time for reprieve ran out!
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed when the disbelievers came to the Prophet with a proposition that if he refrained from denigrating their gods, they would refrain from denigrating his God. His response was that, if they were prepared to concede that there is only one God - whether theirs or his - he too would concede to their proposition!
38 : 4
4. WaAAajiboo an jaahum munthirun minhum waqala alkafiroona hatha sahirun kaththabun
And they are astonished that a warner has come to them from their own stock, so the disbelievers say : 'He is a sorcerer, an impostor'
38 : 5
5. AjaAAala al-alihata ilahan wahidan inna hatha lashay-on AAujabun
'He amalgamates several Gods into One? Verily it is an unlikely thing!
38 : 6
6. Waintalaqa almalao minhum ani imshoo waisbiroo AAala alihatikum inna hatha lashay-on yuradu
Their leaders set out saying to each other : 'Let us keep away from him and be loyal to our Gods. Verily he has an ulterior motive in it!
38 : 7
7. Ma samiAAna bihatha fee almillati al-akhirati in hatha illa ikhtilaqun
'We never heard such a thing even in the most recent religion! This is nothing but a concoction!
38 : 8
8. Aonzila AAalayhi alththikru min baynina bal hum fee shakkin min thikree bal lamma yathooqoo AAathabi
'Has the Reminder been revealed to him alone out of us?' Nay! They are uncertain about My Reminder! Nay! They have not yet tasted my opprobrium!
38 : 9
9. Am AAindahum khaza-inu rahmati rabbika alAAazeezi alwahhabi
Or are theirs the treasures of the mercy of your Lord, the Mighty, the Munificent?
38 : 10
10. Am lahum mulku alssamawati waal-ardi wama baynahuma falyartaqoo fee al-asbabi
Or do they think that to them belong the kingdom of the heavens and of the earth and all that is between them? Then let them climb over to them with ropes!
38 : 11
11. Jundun ma hunalika mahzoomun mina al-ahzabi
They are an army of losers who will be defeated in the same way as other armies of losers were!
* * *
38 : 12
12. Kaththabat qablahum qawmu noohin waAAadun wafirAAawnu thoo al-awtadi
And before them, the folk of Noah tried their hand at repudiating their messenger, as did the Tribe of Aad and the pestiferous Pharaoh -
38 : 13
13. Wathamoodu waqawmu lootin waas-habu al-aykati ola-ika al-ahzabu
And the tribe of Thamud and the folk of Lot and the dwellers of the wilderness in Midian, - these are some of the defeated armies of losers!
38 : 14
14. In kullun illa kaththaba alrrusula fahaqqa AAiqabi
There were none among them who did not deny their Messengers so My retribution became inevitable for all of them! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
1. Sâd
[These letters (Sâd etc.) are one of the miracles of the Qur'ân and none but Allâh (Alone) knows their meanings]. By the Qur'ân full of reminding.
2. Nay, those who desbelieve are in false pride and opposition.
3. How many a generation We have destroyed before them, and they cried out when there was no longer time for escape!
4. And they (Arab pagans) wonder that a warner (Prophet Muhammad SAW) has come to them from among themselves! And the disbelievers say: "This (Prophet Muhammad SAW) is a sorcerer, a liar.
5. "Has he made the âliha (gods) (all) into One Ilâh (God - Allâh). Verily, this is a curious thing!"
6. And the leaders among them went about (saying): "Go on, and remain constant to your âliha (gods)! Verily, This is a thing designed (against you)!
7. "We have not heard (the like) of this among the people of these later days. This is nothing but an invention!
8. "Has the Reminder been sent down to him (alone) from among us?" Nay! but they are in doubt about My Reminder (this Qur'ân)! Nay, but they have not tasted (My) Torment!
9. Or have they the treasures of the Mercy of your Lord, the All-Mighty, the Real Bestower?
10. Or is it that the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them is theirs? If so, let them ascend up with means (to the heavens)!
11. (As they denied Allâh's Message) they will be a defeated host like the confederates of the old times (who were defeated).
12. Before them (were many who) belied Messengers, the people of Nûh (Noah); and 'Ad; and Fir'aun (Pharaoh) the man of stakes (with which he used to punish the people),
13. And Thamûd, and the people of Lout (Lot), and the dwellers of the wood; such were the confederates.
14. Not one of them but belied the Messengers, therefore My Torment was justified,
038.001
YUSUFALI: Sad: By the
Qur'an, Full of Admonition: (This is the Truth).
PICKTHAL: Sad. By the
renowned Qur'an,
SHAKIR: Suad, I swear
by the Quran, full of admonition.
038.002
YUSUFALI: But the
Unbelievers (are steeped) in self-glory and Separatism.
PICKTHAL: Nay, but
those who disbelieve are in false pride and schism.
SHAKIR: Nay! those
who disbelieve are in self-exaltation and opposition.
038.003
YUSUFALI: How many
generations before them did We destroy? In the end they cried (for mercy)- when
there was no longer time for being saved!
PICKTHAL: How many a
generation We destroyed before them, and they cried out when it was no longer
the time for escape!
SHAKIR: How many did
We destroy before them of the generations, then they cried while the time of
escaping had passed away.
038.004
YUSUFALI: So they
wonder that a Warner has come to them from among themselves! and the Unbelievers
say, "This is a sorcerer telling lies!
PICKTHAL: And they
marvel that a warner from among themselves hath come unto them, and the
disbelievers say: This is a wizard, a charlatan.
SHAKIR: And they
wonder that there has come to them a warner from among themselves, and the
disbelievers say: This IS an enchanter, a liar.
038.005
YUSUFALI: "Has he
made the gods (all) into one Allah? Truly this is a wonderful thing!"
PICKTHAL: Maketh he
the gods One Allah? Lo! that is an astounding thing.
SHAKIR: What! makes
he the gods a single Allah? A strange thing is this, to be sure!
038.006
YUSUFALI: And the
leader among them go away (impatiently), (saying), "Walk ye away, and remain
constant to your gods! For this is truly a thing designed (against you)!
PICKTHAL: The chiefs
among them go about, exhorting: Go and be staunch to your gods! Lo! this is a
thing designed.
SHAKIR: And the chief
persons of them break forth, saying: Go and steadily adhere to your gods; this
is most surely a thing sought after.
038.007
YUSUFALI: "We never
heard (the like) of this among the people of these latter days: this is nothing
but a made-up tale!"
PICKTHAL: We have not
heard of this in later religion. This is naught but an invention.
SHAKIR: We never
heard of this in the former faith; this is nothing but a forgery:
038.008
YUSUFALI: "What! has
the Message been sent to him - (Of all persons) among us?"...but they are in
doubt concerning My (Own) Message! Nay, they have not yet tasted My Punishment!
PICKTHAL: Hath the
reminder been unto him (alone) among us? Nay, but they are in doubt concerning
My reminder; nay but they have not yet tasted My doom.
SHAKIR: Has the
reminder been revealed to him from among us? Nay! they are in doubt as to My
reminder. Nay! they have not yet tasted My chastisement!
038.009
YUSUFALI: Or have
they the treasures of the mercy of thy Lord,- the Exalted in Power, the Grantor
of Bounties without measure?
PICKTHAL: Or are
theirs the treasures of the mercy of thy Lord, the Mighty, the Bestower?
SHAKIR: Or is it that
they have the treasures of the mercy of your Lord, the Mighty, the great Giver?
038.010
YUSUFALI: Or have
they the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all between? If so, let them
mount up with the ropes and means (to reach that end)!
PICKTHAL: Or is the
kingdom of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them theirs? Then
let them ascend by ropes!
SHAKIR: Or is it that
theirs is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and what is between them?
Then let them ascend by any
038.011
YUSUFALI: But there -
will be put to flight even a host of confederates.
PICKTHAL: A defeated
host are (all) the factions that are there.
SHAKIR: A host of
deserters of the allies shall be here put to flight.
038.012
YUSUFALI: Before them
(were many who) rejected messengers,- the people of Noah, and 'Ad, and Pharaoh,
the Lord of Stakes,
PICKTHAL: The folk of
Noah before them denied (their messenger) and (so did the tribe of) A'ad, and
Pharaoh firmly planted,
SHAKIR: The people of
Nuh and Ad, and Firon, the lord of spikes, rejected (messengers) before them.
038.013
YUSUFALI: And Thamud,
and the people of Lut, and the Companions of the Wood; - such were the
Confederates.
PICKTHAL: And (the
tribe of) Thamud, and the folk of Lot, and the dwellers in the wood: these were
the factions.
SHAKIR: And Samood
and the people of Lut and the dwellers of the thicket; these were the parties.
038.014
YUSUFALI: Not one (of
them) but rejected the messengers, but My punishment came justly and inevitably
(on them).
PICKTHAL: Not one of
them but did deny the messengers, therefor My doom was justified,
SHAKIR: There was none
of them but called the messengers liars, so just was My retribution.
38 : 15
15. Wama yanthuru haola-i illa sayhatan wahidatan ma laha min fawaqin
They await but one Shout which will not be followed by another!
38 : 16
16. Waqaloo rabbana AAajjil lana qittana qabla yawmi alhisabi
And they say : 'Our Lord! Hasten on our fate before the Day of Reckoning!'
38 : 17
17. Isbir AAala ma yaqooloona waothkur AAabdana dawooda tha al-aydi innahu awwabun
Disregard what they say for the time being and remember our bondsman David, the mighty king who constantly turned to Allah for forgiveness!
38 : 18
18. Inna sakhkharna aljibala maAAahu yusabbihna bialAAashiyyi waal-ishraqi
We made the hills subservient to him and they echoed the Psalms which he sang in praise of their Lord at dusk and at dawn.
38 : 19
19. Waalttayra mahshooratan kullun lahu awwabun
And the
birds assembled around him, all turning to Him with reverence!
(As we
know and can see or hear, dawn and dusk are two times of day when hills laden
with trees and foliage come alive with the songs of birds, getting ready to set
out for the day in search of food for themselves and their fledglings, or
returning to their nests to roost for the night).
38 : 20
20. Washadadna mulkahu waataynahu alhikmata wafasla alkhitabi
We consolidated his kingdom and gave him wisdom and convincing eloquence.
38 : 21
21. Wahal ataka nabao alkhasmi ith tasawwaroo almihraba
And has the story of the two litigants reached you how they scaled the wall and entered his chamber of worship -
38 : 22
22. Ith dakhaloo AAala dawooda fafaziAAa minhum qaloo la takhaf khasmani bagha baAAduna AAala baAAdin faohkum baynana bialhaqqi wala tushtit waihdina ila sawa-i alssirati
How they stormed in and took David by surprise, but they said : 'Fear us not! We are two litigants, one of whom has been unfair towards the other. Judge between us fairly without infringing on the truth and show us the right way!
38 : 23
23. Inna hatha akhee lahu tisAAun watisAAoona naAAjatan waliya naAAjatun wahidatun faqala akfilneeha waAAazzanee fee alkhitabi
'This is my brother. He has ninety and nine ewes while I had only one. Now he says : 'Turn it over to me!' and has outwitted me with his persuasive speech!'
38 : 24
24. Qala laqad thalamaka bisu-ali naAAjatika ila niAAajihi wa-inna katheeran mina alkhulata-i layabghee baAAduhum AAala baAAdin illa allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati waqaleelun ma hum wathanna dawoodu annama fatannahu faistaghfara rabbahu wakharra rakiAAan waanaba
David said
: 'He has been unfair to you by asking you to turn over your ewe to him; and
verily many a partner do tend to oppress one another, except those who believe
and perform righteous deeds, and they are but few!' And David realized that it
was a test from Us and sought forgiveness of his Lord by falling prostrate!
(Tradition has it that David had a total of 99 wives; yet when he saw a beautiful woman and fell in love with her, even though she was married to some other man, he persuaded her husband to divorce her so that he could marry her. In so doing, he was not breaking any rules nor taking advantage of his status because in those days it happened all the time; men who fell in love with married women did persuade their husbands to set them free in their favour; but in the case of David, he was not only a mighty king but also a Prophet of Allah, and therefore it was unfair that he should seek the hand of another man's wife despite having 99 of his own.
So, one day, as he sat praying in his private chamber as usual, two angels sent by Allah climbed the wall and entered the room, disguised as shepherds who were locked in a dispute over their herds and seeking him to resolve it for them with justice and fairness.
David did judge between them fairly, but at once realized that it was a test from Allah to remind him of the wrong he had done to the man whose wife he coveted and married. So, he sought forgiveness from Allah for the mistake he had made and repented).
38 : 25
25. Faghafarna lahu thalika wa-inna lahu AAindana lazulfa wahusna maabin
So We forgave him that. And verily he has earned for himself Our propinquity and a worthy abode in the Hereafter!
38 : 26
26. Ya dawoodu inna jaAAalnaka khaleefatan fee al-ardi faohkum bayna alnnasi bialhaqqi wala tattabiAAi alhawa fayudillaka AAan sabeeli Allahi inna allatheena yadilloona AAan sabeeli Allahi lahum AAathabun shadeedun bima nasoo yawma alhisabi
(And it was said to him) : 'O David! We have sanctioned you regency in the land, so judge between mankind with fairness and do not pursue your desires, for they will deflect you from the path of Allah! Verily for those who stray away from the path of Allah awaits an awful doom because they have lost sight of the Day of Reckoning. (R)
(Thus David was admonished that he was not like ordinary men; the crown he wore and the throne upon which he sat had placed on his shoulders certain responsibilities which he needed to streamline; he should be a king and a Prophet first and only then a human being; that power brought obligations which could not be waived; and for as long as he sat in that throne and wielded the sceptre of authority, he should be prepared to practice what he preached and be just in his decisions).
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
15. And these only wait for a single Saihah [shout (i.e. the blowing of the Trumpet by the angel Isrâfil Sarafil)] there will be no pause or ending thereto [till everything will perish except Allâh (the only God full of Majesty, Bounty and Honour)].
16. They say: "Our Lord! Hasten to us Qittana (i.e. our Record of good and bad deeds so that we see it) before the Day of Reckoning!"
17. Be patient (O Muhammad SAW) of what they say, and remember Our slave Dâwûd (David), endued with power. Verily, he was ever oft-returning in all matters and in repentance (toward Allâh).
18. Verily, We made the mountains to glorify Our Praises with him [Dâwûd (David)] in the 'Ashi (i.e. after the mid-day till sunset) and Ishrâq (i.e. after the sunrise till mid-day).
19. And (so did) the birds assembled: all with him [Dâwûd (David)] did turn (to Allâh i.e. glorified His Praises).
20. We made his kingdom strong and gave him Al-Hikmah (Prophethood, etc.) and sound judgement in speech and decision.
21. And has the news of the litigants reached you? When they climbed over the wall into (his) Mihrâb (a praying place or a private room,).
22. When they entered in upon Dâwûd (David), he was terrified of them, they said: "Fear not! (We are) two litigants, one of whom has wronged the other, therefore judge between us with truth, and treat us not with injustice, and guide us to the Right Way.
23. Verily, this my brother (in religion) has ninety nine ewes, while I have (only) one ewe, and he says: "Hand it over to me, and he overpowered me in speech."
24. [Dâwûd (David)] said (immediately without listening to the opponent): "He has wronged you in demanding your ewe in addition to his ewes. And, verily, many partners oppress one another, except those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and they are few." And Dâwûd (David) guessed that We have tried him and he sought Forgiveness of his Lord, and he fell down prostrate and turned (to Allâh) in repentance.
25. So We forgave him that, and verily, for him is a near access to Us, and a good place of (final) return (Paradise).
26. O Dâwûd (David)! Verily! We have placed you as a successor on earth, so judge you between men in truth (and justice) and follow not your desire for it will mislead you from the Path of Allâh. Verily! Those who wander astray from the Path of Allâh (shall) have a severe torment, because they forgot the Day of Reckoning.
038.015
YUSUFALI: These
(today) only wait for a single mighty Blast, which (when it comes) will brook no
delay.
PICKTHAL: These wait
for but one Shout, there will be no second thereto.
SHAKIR: Nor do these
await aught but a single cry, there being no delay in it.
038.016
YUSUFALI: They say:
"Our Lord! hasten to us our sentence (even) before the Day of Account!"
PICKTHAL: They say:
Our Lord! Hasten on for us our fate before the Day of Reckoning.
SHAKIR: And they say:
O our Lord! hasten on to us our portion before the day of reckoning.
038.017
YUSUFALI: Have
patience at what they say, and remember our servant David, the man of strength:
for he ever turned (to Allah).
PICKTHAL: Bear with
what they say, and remember Our bondman David, lord of might, Lo! he was ever
turning in repentance (toward Allah).
SHAKIR: Bear
patiently what they say, and remember Our servant Dawood, the possessor of
power; surely he was frequent m returning (to Allah).
038.018
YUSUFALI: It was We
that made the hills declare, in unison with him, Our Praises, at eventide and at
break of day,
PICKTHAL: Lo! We
subdued the hills to hymn the praises (of their Lord) with him at nightfall and
sunrise,
SHAKIR: Surely We
made the mountains to sing the glory (of Allah) in unison with him at the
evening and the sunrise,
038.019
YUSUFALI: And the
birds gathered (in assemblies): all with him did turn (to Allah).
PICKTHAL: And the
birds assembled; all were turning unto Him.
SHAKIR: And the birds
gathered together; all joined in singing with him.
038.020
YUSUFALI: We
strengthened his kingdom, and gave him wisdom and sound judgment in speech and
decision.
PICKTHAL: We made his
kingdom strong and gave him wisdom and decisive speech.
SHAKIR: And We
strengthened his kingdom and We gave him wisdom and a clear judgment.
038.021
YUSUFALI: Has the
Story of the Disputants reached thee? Behold, they climbed over the wall of the
private chamber;
PICKTHAL: And hath
the story of the litigants come unto thee? How they climbed the wall into the
royal chamber;
SHAKIR: And has there
come to you the story of the litigants, when they made an entry into the private
chamber by ascending over the walls?
038.022
YUSUFALI: When they
entered the presence of David, and he was terrified of them, they said: "Fear
not: we are two disputants, one of whom has wronged the other: Decide now
between us with truth, and treat us not with injustice, but guide us to the even
Path..
PICKTHAL: How they
burst in upon David, and he was afraid of them. They said: Be not afraid! (We
are) two litigants, one of whom hath wronged the other, therefor judge aright
between us; be not unjust; and show us the fair way.
SHAKIR: When they
entered in upon Dawood and he was frightened at them, they said: Fear not; two
litigants, of whom one has acted wrongfully towards the other, therefore decide
between us with justice, and do not act unjustly, and guide us to the right way.
038.023
YUSUFALI: "This man
is my brother: He has nine and ninety ewes, and I have (but) one: Yet he says,
'commit her to my care,' and is (moreover) harsh to me in speech."
PICKTHAL: Lo! this my
brother hath ninety and nine ewes while I had one ewe; and he said: Entrust it
to me, and he conquered me in speech.
SHAKIR: Surely this
is my brother; he has ninety-nine ewes and I have a single ewe; but he said:
Make it over to me, and he has prevailed against me in discourse.
038.024
YUSUFALI: (David)
said: "He has undoubtedly wronged thee in demanding thy (single) ewe to be added
to his (flock of) ewes: truly many are the partners (in business) who wrong each
other: Not so do those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and how few
are they?"...and David gathered that We had tried him: he asked forgiveness of
his Lord, fell down, bowing (in prostration), and turned (to Allah in
repentance).
PICKTHAL: (David)
said: He hath wronged thee in demanding thine ewe in addition to his ewes, and
lo! many partners oppress one another, save such as believe and do good works,
and they are few. And David guessed that We had tried him, and he sought
forgiveness of his Lord, and he bowed himself and fell down prostrate and
repented.
SHAKIR: He said:
Surely he has been unjust to you in demanding your ewe (to add) to his own ewes;
and most surely most of the partners act wrongfully towards one another, save
those who believe and do good, and very few are they; and Dawood was sure that
We had tried him, so he sought the protection of his Lord and he fell down
bowing and turned time after time (to Him).
038.025
YUSUFALI: So We
forgave him this (lapse): he enjoyed, indeed, a Near Approach to Us, and a
beautiful place of (Final) Return.
PICKTHAL: So We
forgave him that; and lo! he had access to Our presence and a happy journey's
end.
SHAKIR: Therefore We
rectified for him this, and most surely he had a nearness to Us and an excellent
resort.
038.026
YUSUFALI: O David! We
did indeed make thee a vicegerent on earth: so judge thou between men in truth
(and justice): Nor follow thou the lusts (of thy heart), for they will mislead
thee from the Path of Allah: for those who wander astray from the Path of Allah,
is a Penalty Grievous, for that they forget the Day of Account.
PICKTHAL: (And it was
said unto him): O David! Lo! We have set thee as a viceroy in the earth;
therefor judge aright between mankind, and follow not desire that it beguile
thee from the way of Allah. Lo! those who wander from the way of Allah have an
awful doom, forasmuch as they forgot the Day of Reckoning.
SHAKIR: o Dawood !
surely We have made you a ruler in the land; so judge between men with justice
and do not follow desire, lest it should lead you astray from the path of Allah;
(as for) those who go astray from the path of Allah, they shall surely have a
severe punishment because they forgot the day of reckoning.
38 : 27
27. Wama khalaqna alssamaa waal-arda wama baynahuma batilan thalika thannu allatheena kafaroo fawaylun lillatheena kafaroo mina alnnari
We created not the heavens and the earth and all that which lies between them in vain. The disbelievers may well think so, but then for the disbelievers is the doom of Fire!
38 : 28
28. Am najAAalu allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati kaalmufsideena fee al-ardi am najAAalu almuttaqeena kaalfujjari
Will We ever treat those who believe and perform righteous deeds the same as those who perpetuate feud upon earth? Or will We ever treat the abstemious similar to the wicked and the rebellious?
38 : 29
29. Kitabun anzalnahu ilayka mubarakun liyaddabbaroo ayatihi waliyatathakkara oloo al-albabi
This is a Scripture that We have revealed to you containing Our blessings so that its contents are browsed upon and inspiration is drawn from it by the wise!
38 : 30
30. Wawahabna lidawooda sulaymana niAAma alAAabdu innahu awwabun
We bestowed on David, Solomon. Verily he was an illustrious bondsman who turned to Us for forgiveness at all times.
38 : 31
31. Ith AAurida AAalayhi bialAAashiyyi alssafinatu aljiyadu
When there were brought to him a few agile coursers one afternoon;
38 : 32
32. Faqala innee ahbabtu hubba alkhayri AAan thikri rabbee hatta tawarat bialhijabi
He said :
'Verily I love them for their service to my Lord!' and then he let them be
ridden away until they disappeared from sight.
(According to commentators, a thousand agile horses were brought to him for
inspection by a horse trader to be used by his cavalry. So he made it clear at
the very outset that his love of horses was nothing to do with material assets
but only because they served their Lord and their riders with loyalty, courage
and devotion)
38 : 33
33. Ruddooha AAalayya fatafiqa mashan bialssooqi waal-aAAnaqi
(Then
he said)
: 'Bring them
back to me!' and thoroughly checked them by running his hands over their legs
and their necks.
(Though
there are differences of opinion between commentators over the interpretation of
this verse, the consensus is that there were several reasons why Solomon ran his
hands over the legs and the necks of the horses : firstly, it was because horses
are reliable and trustworthy friends of man in the battlefield and therefore
have to be chosen with caution; secondly, their being healthy is of equal
importance; thirdly, he wanted to be seen by his soldiers that he took personal
charge of matters related to his kingdom; fourthly, he was an expert on horses
and could tell their condition by running his hands over their legs and necks)
38 : 34
34. Walaqad fatanna sulaymana waalqayna AAala kursiyyihi jasadan thumma anaba
And verily
We tested Solomon by setting on his throne a weakling. Then he turned to Us
repentant.
(There is a Hadith according to which the Prophet is quoted to have said that Solomon was so determined to beget for himself a strong and ideal heir that he cohabited with his ninety wives in the same night and declared to his people that each would bear him a son worthy of occupying his throne after his death. But contrary to expectations, none of them conceived except one, who gave birth to a weakling.
This,
said the Prophet, was because he forgot to say God willing, - or
inshallah , - on account of which his wish was not granted by Allah).
38 : 35
35. Qala rabbi ighfir lee wahab lee mulkan la yanbaghee li-ahadin min baAAdee innaka anta alwahhabu
He said :
'My Lord! Forgive me and bestow on me such a kingdom as no one else has ruled
before! Verily You are the Munificent!'
(Upon
realizing the mistake he made, he repented and sought forgiveness of his Lord.
He was forgiven and was given much more than what he had sought by making the
elements and the mighty Jinn subservient to him).
38 : 36
36. Fasakhkharna lahu alrreeha tajree bi-amrihi rukhaan haythu asaba
Hence We made the wind subservient to him which blew gently at his command wherever he wanted it to.
38 : 37
37. Waalshshayateena kulla banna-in waghawwasin
And We made the pugnacious devils subservient to him, the builders and the divers -
38 : 38
38. Waakhareena muqarraneena fee al-asfadi
And many others as chain gangs, -
38 : 39
39. Hatha AAataona faomnun aw amsik bighayri hisabin
(Saying)
: 'This is Our gift; so pass it on to others or withhold it, without being held
to account!'
(What
was more, he was given the discretion to pass on the powers bestowed upon him to
others or hold them back, without being accountable for it).
38 : 40
40. Wa-inna lahu AAindana lazulfa wahusna maabin
And verily he has earned for himself Our propinquity and a worthy abode in the Hereafter! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
27. And We created not the heaven and the earth and all that is between them without purpose! That is the consideration of those who disbelieve! Then woe to those who disbelieve (in Islâmic Monotheism) from the Fire!
28. Shall We treat those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, as Mufsidûn (those who associate partners in worship with Allâh and commit crimes) on earth? Or shall We treat the Muttaqûn (pious - see V.2:2), as the Fujjâr (criminals, disbelievers, wicked, etc)?ONT>
29. (This is) a Book (the Qur'ân) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember.
30. And to Dâwûd (David) We gave Sulaimân (Solomon). How excellent (a) slave! Verily, he was ever oft-returning in repentance (to Us)!
31. When there were displayed before him, in the afternoon, well trained horses of the highest breed [for Jihâd (holy fighting in Allâh's Cause)].
32. And he said: "Alas! I did love the good (these horses) instead of remembering my Lord (in my 'Asr prayer)" till the time was over, and (the sun) had hidden in the veil (of night).
33. Then he said "Bring them (horses) back to me." Then he began to pass his hand over their legs and their necks (till the end of the display).
34. And, indeed We did try Sulaimân (Solomon) and We placed on his throne Jasadan (a devil, so he lost his kingdom for a while) but he did return (to his throne and kingdom by the Grace of Allâh and he did return) to Allâh with obedience and in repentance.
35. He said: "My Lord! Forgive me, and bestow upon me a kingdom such as shall not belong to any other after me: Verily, You are the Bestower."
36. So, We subjected to him the wind, it blew gently to his order whithersoever he willed,
37. And also the Shayâtin (devils) from the jinns (including) every kind of builder and diver,
38. And also others bound in fetters.
39. [Saying of Allâh to Sulaimân (Solomon)]: "This is Our gift, so spend you or withhold, no account will be asked."
40. And verily, he enjoyed a near access to Us, and a good final return (Paradise).
038.027
YUSUFALI: Not without
purpose did We create heaven and earth and all between! that were the thought of
Unbelievers! but woe to the Unbelievers because of the Fire (of Hell)!
PICKTHAL: And We
created not the heaven and the earth and all that is between them in vain. That
is the opinion of those who disbelieve. And woe unto those who disbelieve, from
the Fire!
SHAKIR: And We did
not create the heaven and the earth and what is between them in vain; that is
the opinion of those who disbelieve then woe to those who disbelieve on account
of the fire.
038.028
YUSUFALI: Shall We
treat those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, the same as those who
do mischief on earth? Shall We treat those who guard against evil, the same as
those who turn aside from the right?
PICKTHAL: Shall We
treat those who believe and do good works as those who spread corruption in the
earth; or shall We treat the pious as the wicked?
SHAKIR: Shall We
treat those who believe and do good like the mischief-makers in the earth? Or
shall We make those who guard (against evil) like the wicked?
038.029
YUSUFALI: (Here is) a
Book which We have sent down unto thee, full of blessings, that they may mediate
on its Signs, and that men of understanding may receive admonition.
PICKTHAL: (This is) a
Scripture that We have revealed unto thee, full of blessing, that they may
ponder its revelations, and that men of understanding may reflect.
SHAKIR: (It is) a
Book We have revealed to you abounding in good that they may ponder over its
verses, and that those endowed with understanding may be mindful.
038.030
YUSUFALI: To David We
gave Solomon (for a son),- How excellent in Our service! Ever did he turn (to
Us)!
PICKTHAL: And We
bestowed on David, Solomon. How excellent a slave! Lo! he was ever turning in
repentance (toward Allah).
SHAKIR: And We gave
to Dawood Sulaiman, most excellent the servant! Surely he was frequent in
returning (to Allah).
038.031
YUSUFALI: Behold,
there were brought before him, at eventide coursers of the highest breeding, and
swift of foot;
PICKTHAL: When there
were shown to him at eventide lightfooted coursers
SHAKIR: When there
were brought to him in the evening (horses) still when standing, swift when
running--
038.032
YUSUFALI: And he
said, "Truly do I love the love of good, with a view to the glory of my Lord,"-
until (the sun) was hidden in the veil (of night):
PICKTHAL: And he
said: Lo! I have preferred the good things (of the world) to the remembrance of
my Lord; till they were taken out of sight behind the curtain.
SHAKIR: Then he said:
Surely I preferred the good things to the remembrance of my Lord-- until the sun
set and time for Asr prayer was over, (he said):
038.033
YUSUFALI: "Bring them
back to me." then began he to pass his hand over (their) legs and their necks.
PICKTHAL: (Then he
said): Bring them back to me, and fell to slashing (with his sword their) legs
and necks.
SHAKIR: Bring them
back to me; so he began to slash (their) legs and necks.
038.034
YUSUFALI: And We did
try Solomon: We placed on his throne a body (without life); but he did turn (to
Us in true devotion):
PICKTHAL: And verily
We tried Solomon, and set upon his throne a (mere) body. Then did he repent.
SHAKIR: And certainly
We tried Sulaiman, and We put on his throne a (mere) body, so he turned (to
Allah).
038.035
YUSUFALI: He said, "O
my Lord! Forgive me, and grant me a kingdom which, (it may be), suits not
another after me: for Thou art the Grantor of Bounties (without measure).
PICKTHAL: He said: My
Lord! Forgive me and bestow on me sovereignty such as shall not belong to any
after me. Lo! Thou art the Bestower.
SHAKIR: He said: My
Lord! do Thou forgive me and grant me a kingdom which is not fit for (being
inherited by) anyone after me;
038.036
YUSUFALI: Then We
subjected the wind to his power, to flow gently to his order, Whithersoever he
willed,-
PICKTHAL: So We made
the wind subservient unto him, setting fair by his command whithersoever he
intended.
SHAKIR: Then We made
the wind subservient to him; it made his command to run gently wherever he
desired,
038.037
YUSUFALI: As also the
evil ones, (including) every kind of builder and diver,-
PICKTHAL: And the
unruly, every builder and diver (made We subservient),
SHAKIR: And the
shaitans, every builder and diver,
038.038
YUSUFALI: As also
others bound together in fetters.
PICKTHAL: And others
linked together in chains,
SHAKIR: And others
fettered in chains.
038.039
YUSUFALI: "Such are
Our Bounties: whether thou bestow them (on others) or withhold them, no account
will be asked."
PICKTHAL: (Saying):
This is Our gift, so bestow thou, or withhold, without reckoning.
SHAKIR: This is Our
free gift, therefore give freely or withhold, without reckoning.
038.040
YUSUFALI: And he
enjoyed, indeed, a Near Approach to Us, and a beautiful Place of (Final) Return.
PICKTHAL: And lo! he
hath favour with Us, and a happy journey's end.
SHAKIR: And most
surely he had a nearness to Us and an excellent resort.
38 : 41
41. Waothkur AAabdana ayyooba ith nada rabbahu annee massaniya alshshaytanu binusbin waAAathabin
And make mention (O Mohammed) of Our bondsman Job when he cried to his Lord (saying) : 'The devil has tormented me with an affliction and has caused me a great deal of anguish!'
38 : 42
42. Orkud birijlika hatha mughtasalun baridun washarabun
(And it was said to him) : 'Strike the ground with your foot! This spring is a healing bath and an invigorating drink!'
38 : 43
43. Wawahabna lahu ahlahu wamithlahum maAAahum rahmatan minna wathikra li-olee al-albabi
And We gave him back his entire household, and twice as many, as a mercy from Us and as an admonition for the wise.
38 : 44
44. Wakhuth biyadika dighthan faidrib bihi wala tahnath inna wajadnahu sabiran niAAma alAAabdu innahu awwabun
(It was said to him) : 'Hold a broom in your hand and smite her with it but break not your oath!' We found him to be a forbearing and illustrious bondsman! Verily he was constantly turning to Us for forgiveness!
38 : 45
45. Waothkur AAibadana ibraheema wa-ishaqa wayaAAqooba olee al-aydee waal-absari
And make mention of Our bondsmen Abraham and Isaac and Jacob - all men of resources and of vision!
38 : 46
46. Inna akhlasnahum bikhalisatin thikra alddari
Verily We purified them with a chaste thought : remembrance of the Abode of Hereafter!
38 : 47
47. Wa-innahum AAindana lamina almustafayna al-akhyari
And verily in Our sight they are of the chosen and the cherished!
38 : 48
48. Waothkur ismaAAeela wa-ilyasaAAa watha alkifli wakullun mina al-akhyari
And make mention of Ishmael and Elisha and Dhu'l-Kifl, all of whom are of the cherished!
38 : 49
49. Hatha thikrun wa-inna lilmuttaqeena lahusna maabin
This is a Reminder! And verily for those who ward off evil there awaits a blithesome goal :
38 : 50
50. Jannati AAadnin mufattahatan lahumu al-abwabu
The Gardens of Eden, - the doors of which are thrown open to welcome them -
38 : 51
51. Muttaki-eena feeha yadAAoona feeha bifakihatin katheeratin washarabin
Wherein, resting their backs on cushions, they will ask to be regaled with plenteous fruits and libation!
38 : 52
52. WaAAindahum qasiratu alttarfi atrabun
And with them are loyal companions of bashful gaze, of equal age!
38 : 53
53. Hatha ma tooAAadoona liyawmi alhisabi
This is that which was promised to you on the Day of Reckoning!
38 : 54
54. Inna hatha larizquna ma lahu min nafadin
Verily this in truth is the provision from Us which will never run out!
38 : 55
55. Hatha wa-inna lilttagheena lasharra maabin
This is for the righteous! But verily for the insidious awaits an evil goal :
38 : 56
56. Jahannama yaslawnaha fabi/sa almihadu
Hell in which they will burn! How pitiful a destination!
38 : 57
57. Hatha falyathooqoohu hameemun waghassaqun
Wherein is boiling or freezing water, so let them taste it!
38 : 58
58. Waakharu min shaklihi azwajun
And other similar torments in pairs of extremities!
38 : 59
59. Hatha fawjun muqtahimun maAAakum la marhaban bihim innahum saloo alnnari
(It will be said to their deities) : 'Here is an army who had once hailed you and is now stuck behind you!' But they will say : 'Make no concessions to them, for they deserve to burn in the fire!'
38 : 60
60. Qaloo bal antum la marhaban bikum antum qaddamtumoohu lana fabi/sa alqararu
Their worshippers say : 'Nay, no concessions to you, for it was you who had brought upon us this plight!' What an awful plight for both!
38 : 61
61. Qaloo rabbana man qaddama lana hatha fazidhu AAathaban diAAfan fee alnnari
Then they say : 'Our Lord! Give those who brought this on us twice the punishment in the Fire!'
38 : 62
62. Waqaloo ma lana la nara rijalan kunna naAAudduhum mina al-ashrari
And they say : 'What is wrong here that we do not see those whom we used to think as wicked men?
38 : 63
63. Attakhathnahum sikhriyyan am zaghat AAanhumu al-absaru
Was it an error on our part to have turned them into a laughing stock or have our eyes missed them?
38 : 64
64. Inna thalika lahaqqun takhasumu ahli alnnari
Verily this is the truth - these mutual recriminations between the denizens of Hell! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
41. And remember Our slave Ayûb (Job), when he invoked his Lord (saying): "Verily! Shaitân (Satan) has touched me with distress (by losing my health) and torment (by losing my wealth)!
42. (Allâh said to him): "Strike the ground with your foot: This is a spring of water to wash in, cool and a (refreshing) drink."
43. And We gave him (back) his family, and along with them the like thereof, as a Mercy from Us, and a Reminder for those who understand.
44. "And take in your hand a bundle of thin grass and strike therewith (your wife), and break not your oath[] . Truly! We found him patient. How excellent (a) slave! Verily, he was ever oft-returning in repentance (to Us)!
45. And remember Our slaves, Ibrâhim (Abraham), Ishâque (Isaac), and Ya'qûb (Jacob), (all) owners of strength (in worshipping Us) and (also) of religious understanding.
46. Verily, We did choose them by granting them (a good thing, i.e.) the remembrance of the home [in the Hereafter and they used to make the people remember it, and also they used to invite the people to obey Allâh and to do good deeds for the Hereafter].
47. And they are with Us, verily, of the chosen and the best!
48. And remember Ismâ'il (Ishmael), AlYasa'â (Elisha), and Dhul-Kifl (Isaiah), all are among the best.
49. This is a Reminder, and verily, for the Muttaqûn (pious and righteous persons - see V.2:2) is a good final return (Paradise), -,
50. 'Adn (Edn) Paradise (everlasting Gardens), whose doors will be open for them, [It is said (in Tafsir At-Tabarî, Part 23, Page 174) that one can speak to the doors, just one tells it to open and close, and it will open or close as it is ordered].
51. Therein they will recline; therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks;
52. And beside them will be chaste females (virgins) restraining their glances only for their husbands, (and) of equal ages.
53. This it is what you (Al-Muttaqûn - the pious) are promised for the Day of Reckoning!
54. (It will be said to them)! Verily, this is Our Provision which will never finish;
55. This is so! And for the Tâghûn (transgressors, disobedient to Allâh and His Messenger - disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh, criminals, etc.), will be an evil final return (Fire),
56. Hell! Where they will burn, and worst (indeed) is that place to rest!
57. This is so! Then let them taste it, a boiling fluid and dirty wound discharges.
58. And other torments of similar kind, all together!
59. This is a troop entering with you (in Hell), no welcome for them! Verily, they shall burn in the Fire!
60. (The followers of the misleaders will say): "Nay, you (too)! No welcome for you! It is you (misleaders) who brought this upon us (because you misled us in the world), so evil is this place to stay in!"
61. They will say: "Our Lord! Whoever brought this upon us, add to him a double torment in the Fire!"
62. And they will say: "What is the matter with us that we see not men whom we used to count among the bad ones?"
63. Did we take them as an object of mockery, or have (our) eyes failed to perceive them?"
64. Verily, that is the very truth, the mutual dispute of the people of the Fire!
038.041
YUSUFALI: Commemorate
Our Servant Job. Behold he cried to his Lord: "The Evil One has afflicted me
with distress and suffering!"
PICKTHAL: And make
mention (O Muhammad) of Our bondman Job, when he cried unto his Lord (saying):
Lo! the devil doth afflict me with distress and torment.
SHAKIR: And remember
Our servant Ayyub, when he called upon his Lord: The Shaitan has afflicted me
with toil and torment.
038.042
YUSUFALI: (The
command was given:) "Strike with thy foot: here is (water) wherein to wash, cool
and refreshing, and (water) to drink."
PICKTHAL: (And it was
said unto him): Strike the ground with thy foot. This (spring) is a cool bath
and a refreshing drink.
SHAKIR: Urge with
your foot; here is a cool washing-place and a drink.
038.043
YUSUFALI: And We gave
him (back) his people, and doubled their number,- as a Grace from Ourselves, and
a thing for commemoration, for all who have Understanding.
PICKTHAL: And We
bestowed on him (again) his household and therewith the like thereof, a mercy
from Us, and a memorial for men of understanding.
SHAKIR: And We gave
him his family and the like of them with them, as a mercy from Us, and as a
reminder to those possessed of understanding.
038.044
YUSUFALI: "And take
in thy hand a little grass, and strike therewith: and break not (thy oath)."
Truly We found him full of patience and constancy. How excellent in Our service!
ever did he turn (to Us)!
PICKTHAL: And (it was
said unto him): Take in thine hand a branch and smite therewith, and break not
thine oath. Lo! We found him steadfast, how excellent a slave! Lo! he was ever
turning in repentance (to his Lord).
SHAKIR: And take in
your hand a green branch and beat her with It and do not break your oath; surely
We found him patient; most excellent the servant! Surely he was frequent m
returning (to Allah).
038.045
YUSUFALI: And
commemorate Our Servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, possessors of Power and
Vision.
PICKTHAL: And make
mention of Our bondmen, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, men of parts and vision.
SHAKIR: And remember
Our servants Ibrahim and Ishaq and Yaqoub, men of power and insight.
038.046
YUSUFALI: Verily We
did choose them for a special (purpose)- proclaiming the Message of the
Hereafter.
PICKTHAL: Lo! We
purified them with a pure thought, remembrance of the Home (of the Hereafter).
SHAKIR: Surely We
purified them by a pure quality, the keeping m mind of the (final) abode.
038.047
YUSUFALI: They were,
in Our sight, truly, of the company of the Elect and the Good.
PICKTHAL: Lo! in Our
sight they are verily of the elect, the excellent.
SHAKIR: And most
surely they were with Us, of the elect, the best.
038.048
YUSUFALI: And
commemorate Isma'il, Elisha, and Zul-Kifl: Each of them was of the Company of
the Good.
PICKTHAL: And make
mention of Ishmael and Elisha and Dhu'l-Kifl. All are of the chosen.
SHAKIR: And remember
Ismail and Al-Yasha and Zulkifl; and they were all of the best.
038.049
YUSUFALI: This is a
Message (of admonition): and verily, for the righteous, is a beautiful Place of
(Final) Return,-
PICKTHAL: This is a
reminder. And lo! for those who ward off (evil) is a happy journey's end,
SHAKIR: This is a
reminder; and most surely there is an excellent resort for those who guard
(against evil),
038.050
YUSUFALI: Gardens of
Eternity, whose doors will (ever) be open to them;
PICKTHAL: Gardens of
Eden, whereof the gates are opened for them,
SHAKIR: The gardens
of perpetuity, the doors are opened for them.
038.051
YUSUFALI: Therein
will they recline (at ease): Therein can they call (at pleasure) for fruit in
abundance, and (delicious) drink;
PICKTHAL: Wherein,
reclining, they call for plenteous fruit and cool drink (that is) therein.
SHAKIR: Reclining
therein, calling therein for many fruits and drink.
038.052
YUSUFALI: And beside
them will be chaste women restraining their glances, (companions) of equal age.
PICKTHAL: And with
them are those of modest gaze, companions.
SHAKIR: And with them
shall be those restraining their eyes, equals in age.
038.053
YUSUFALI: Such is the
Promise made, to you for the Day of Account!
PICKTHAL: This it is
that ye are promised for the Day of Reckoning.
SHAKIR: This is what
you are promised for the day of reckoning.
038.054
YUSUFALI: Truly such
will be Our Bounty (to you); it will never fail;-
PICKTHAL: Lo! this in
truth is Our provision, which will never waste away.
SHAKIR: Most surely
this is Our sustenance; it shall never come to an end;
038.055
YUSUFALI: Yea, such!
but - for the wrong-doers will be an evil place of (Final) Return!-
PICKTHAL: This (is
for the righteous). And lo! for the transgressors there with be an evil
journey's end,
SHAKIR: This (shall
be so); and most surely there is an evil resort for the inordinate ones;
038.056
YUSUFALI: Hell!- they
will burn therein, - an evil bed (indeed, to lie on)!-
PICKTHAL: Hell, where
they will burn, an evil resting-place.
SHAKIR: Hell; they
shall enter it, so evil is the resting-place.
038.057
YUSUFALI: Yea, such!
- then shall they taste it,- a boiling fluid, and a fluid dark, murky, intensely
cold!-
PICKTHAL: Here is a
boiling and an ice-cold draught, so let them taste it,
SHAKIR: This (shall
be so); so let them taste it, boiling and intensely cold (drink).
038.058
YUSUFALI: And other
Penalties of a similar kind, to match them!
PICKTHAL: And other
(torment) of the kind in pairs (the two extremes)!
SHAKIR: And other
(punishment) of the same kind-- of various sorts.
038.059
YUSUFALI: Here is a
troop rushing headlong with you! No welcome for them! truly, they shall burn in
the Fire!
PICKTHAL: Here is an
army rushing blindly with you. (Those who are already in the Fire say): No word
of welcome for them. Lo! they will roast at the Fire.
SHAKIR: This is an
army plunging in without consideration along with you; no welcome for them,
surely they shall enter fire.
038.060
YUSUFALI: (The
followers shall cry to the misleaders:) "Nay, ye (too)! No welcome for you! It
is ye who have brought this upon us! Now evil is (this) place to stay in!"
PICKTHAL: They say:
Nay, but you (misleaders), for you there is no word of welcome. Ye prepared this
for us (by your misleading). Now hapless is the plight.
SHAKIR: They shall
say: Nay! you-- no welcome to you: you did proffer it to us, so evil is the
resting-place.
038.061
YUSUFALI: They will
say: "Our Lord! whoever brought this upon us,- Add to him a double Penalty in
the Fire!"
PICKTHAL: They say:
Our Lord! Whoever did prepare this for us, oh, give him double portion of the
Fire!
SHAKIR: They shall
say: Our Lord! whoever prepared it first for us, add Thou to him a double
chastisement in the fire.
038.062
YUSUFALI: And they
will say: "What has happened to us that we see not men whom we used to number
among the bad ones?
PICKTHAL: And they
say: What aileth us that we behold not men whom we were wont to count among the
wicked?
SHAKIR: And they
shall say: What is the matter with us that we do not see men whom we used to
count among the vicious?
038.063
YUSUFALI: "Did we
treat them (as such) in ridicule, or have (our) eyes failed to perceive them?"
PICKTHAL: Did we take
them (wrongly) for a laughing-stock, or have our eyes missed them?
SHAKIR: Was it that
we (only) took them in scorn, or have our eyes (now) turned aside from them?
038.064
YUSUFALI: Truly that
is just and fitting,- the mutual recriminations of the People of the Fire!
PICKTHAL: Lo! that is
very truth: the wrangling of the dwellers in the Fire.
SHAKIR: That most
surely is the truth: the contending one with another of the inmates of the fire.
38 : 65
65. Qul innama ana munthirun wama min ilahin illa Allahu alwahidu alqahharu
Say to them (O Mohammed) : 'I am only a warner! There is no God save Allah, the One, the Almighty -
38 : 66
66. Rabbu alssamawati waal-ardi wama baynahuma alAAazeezu alghaffaru
Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that lies in between them, the Meritorious, the Merciful!
38 : 67
67. Qul huwa nabaon AAatheemun
Say : 'These are momentous tidings -
38 : 68
68. Antum AAanhu muAAridoona
'Yet you are oblivious to them!
38 : 69
69. Ma kana liya min AAilmin bialmala-i al-aAAla ith yakhtasimoona
'I had no knowledge of the uppermost plain when the Angels disagreed!
38 : 70
70. In yooha ilayya illa annama ana natheerun mubeenun
'It is revealed to me alone that I am no more than a plain warner!
38 : 71
71. Ith qala rabbuka lilmala-ikati innee khaliqun basharan min teenin
When your Lord said to the angels : 'Verily I am about to create a mortal out of mud,
38 : 72
72. Fa-itha sawwaytuhu wanafakhtu feehi min roohee faqaAAoo lahu sajideena
'And when I have finished making him and breathed into him out of My spirit, you must fall down before him prostrate!'
38 : 73
73. Fasajada almala-ikatu kulluhum ajmaAAoona
The angels fell down prostrate, one after the other -
38 : 74
74. Illa ibleesa istakbara wakana mina alkafireena
Except Iblis. He was full of conceit and became the first of the disbelievers!
38 : 75
75. Qala ya ibleesu ma manaAAaka an tasjuda lima khalaqtu biyadayya astakbarta am kunta mina alAAaleena
He said :
'O Iblis! What stops you from falling prostrate before that which I have created
with both My hands? Is it your pride or is it your superiority complex?'
(According to some commentators Allah created the angels and other celestial
beings with one hand, but when it came to creating, man He used both
hands)
38 : 76
76. Qala ana khayrun minhu khalaqtanee min narin wakhalaqtahu min teenin
He said : 'I am superior to him. You created me out of flame and him out of loam!'
38 : 77
77. Qala faokhruj minha fa-innaka rajeemun
He said : 'Then go away from here, for verily you stand ostracized!'
38 : 78
78. Wa-inna AAalayka laAAnatee ila yawmi alddeeni
'And verily My curse shall be upon you until the Day of Judgement!'
38 : 79
79. Qala rabbi faanthirnee ila yawmi yubAAathoona
He said : 'My Lord! Then reprieve me until the Day they are raised!'
38 : 80
80. Qala fa-innaka mina almunthareena
He said : 'Verily you are of those reprieved -
38 : 81
81. Ila yawmi alwaqti almaAAloomi
'Until the culmination of the Day agreed!'
38 : 82
82. Qala fabiAAizzatika laoghwiyannahum ajmaAAeena
He said : 'Then, by your Glory, I will assuredly lead all of them astray!
38 : 83
83. Illa AAibadaka minhumu almukhlaseena
'Except the most dedicated amongst Your bondsmen!'
38 : 84
84. Qala faalhaqqu waalhaqqa aqoolu
He said : 'The Truth is, - and the Truth I speak :
38 : 85
85. Laamlaanna jahannama minka wamimman tabiAAaka minhum ajmaAAeena
'That I shall fill hell with you and those who become your sycophants, altogether!'
38 : 86
86. Qul ma as-alukum AAalayhi min ajrin wama ana mina almutakallifeena
Say (O Mohammed) to all mankind : 'I seek not of you any remuneration for this Qur'aan, nor am I a fake.'
38 : 87
87. In huwa illa thikrun lilAAalameena
'Verily It is nothing short of an eclectic tractate intended for all peoples of the world!
38 : 88
88. WalataAAlamunna nabaahu baAAda heenin
'And there will come a time when you shall realize its significance!' (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
65. Say (O Muhammad SAW): "I am only a warner and there is no Ilâh (God) except Allâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh) the One, the Irresistible,
66. "The Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving."
67. Say: "That (this Qur'ân) is a great news,
68. "From which you turn away!
69. "I had no knowledge of the chiefs (angels) on high when they were disputing and discussing (about the creation of Adam).
70. "Only this has been inspired to me, that I am a plain warner."
71. (Remember) when your Lord said to the angels: "Truly, I am going to create man from clay".
72. So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him (his) soul created by Me, then you fall down prostrate to him."
73. So the angels prostrated themselves, all of them:
74. Except Iblîs (Satan) he was proud[] and was one of the disbelievers.
75. (Allâh) said: "O Iblîs (Satan)! What prevents you from prostrating yourself to one whom I have created with Both My Hands[]. Are you too proud (to fall prostrate to Adam) or are you one of the high exalted?"
76. [Iblîs (Satan)] said: "I am better than he, You created me from fire, and You created him from clay."
77. (Allâh) said: "Then get out from here, for verily, you are outcast.
78. "And verily!, My Curse is on you till the Day of Recompense."
79. [Iblîs (Satan)] said: "My Lord! Give me then respite till the Day the (dead) are resurrected."
80. (Allâh) said: "Verily! You are of those allowed respite
81. "Till the Day of the time appointed."
82. [Iblîs (Satan)] said: "By Your Might, then I will surely mislead them all,
83. "Except Your chosen slaves amongst them (faithful, obedient, true believers of Islâmic Monotheism)."
84. (Allâh) said: "The Truth is, and the Truth I say,
85. That I will fill Hell with you [Iblîs (Satan)] and those of them (mankind) that follow you, together."
86. Say (O Muhammad SAW): "No wage do I ask of you for this (the Qur'ân), nor am I one of the Mutakallifûn (those who pretend and fabricate things which do not exist).
87. "It (this Qur'ân) is only a Reminder for all the 'Alamîn (mankind and jinns).
88. "And you shall certainly know the truth of it after a while."
038.065
YUSUFALI: Say: "Truly
am I a Warner: no god is there but the one Allah, Supreme and Irresistible,-
PICKTHAL: Say (unto
them, O Muhammad): I am only a warner, and there is no Allah save Allah, the
One, the Absolute,
SHAKIR: Say: I am
only a warner, and there is no god but Allah, the One, the Subduer (of all):
038.066
YUSUFALI: "The Lord
of the heavens and the earth, and all between,- Exalted in Might, able to
enforce His Will, forgiving again and again."
PICKTHAL: Lord of the
heavens and the earth and all that is between them, the Mighty, the Pardoning.
SHAKIR: The Lord of
the heavens and the earth and what is between them, the Mighty, the most
Forgiving.
038.067
YUSUFALI: Say: "That
is a Message Supreme (above all),-
PICKTHAL: Say: It is
tremendous tidings
SHAKIR: Say: It is a
message of importance,
038.068
YUSUFALI: "From which
ye do turn away!
PICKTHAL: Whence ye
turn away!
SHAKIR: (And) you are
turning aside from it:
038.069
YUSUFALI: "No
knowledge have I of the Chiefs on high, when they discuss (matters) among
themselves.
PICKTHAL: I had no
knowledge of the Highest Chiefs when they disputed;
SHAKIR: I had no
knowledge of the exalted chiefs when they contended:
038.070
YUSUFALI: 'Only this
has been revealed to me: that I am to give warning plainly and publicly."
PICKTHAL: It is
revealed unto me only that I may be a plain warner.
SHAKIR: Naught is
revealed to me save that I am a plain warner.
038.071
YUSUFALI: Behold, thy
Lord said to the angels: "I am about to create man from clay:
PICKTHAL: When thy
Lord said unto the angels: Lo! I am about to create a mortal out of mire,
SHAKIR: When your
Lord said to the angels; Surely I am going to create a mortal from dust:
038.072
YUSUFALI: "When I
have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit, fall
ye down in obeisance unto him."
PICKTHAL: And when I
have fashioned him and breathed into him of My Spirit, then fall down before him
prostrate,
SHAKIR: So when I
have made him complete and breathed into him of My spirit, then fall down making
obeisance to him.
038.073
YUSUFALI: So the
angels prostrated themselves, all of them together:
PICKTHAL: The angels
fell down prostrate, every one,
SHAKIR: And the
angels did obeisance, all of them,
038.074
YUSUFALI: Not so
Iblis: he was haughty, and became one of those who reject Faith.
PICKTHAL: Saving
Iblis; he was scornful and became one of the disbelievers.
SHAKIR: But not
Iblis: he was proud and he was one of the unbelievers.
038.075
YUSUFALI: (Allah)
said: "O Iblis! What prevents thee from prostrating thyself to one whom I have
created with my hands? Art thou haughty? Or art thou one of the high (and
mighty) ones?"
PICKTHAL: He said: O
Iblis! What hindereth thee from falling prostrate before that which I have
created with both My hands? Art thou too proud or art thou of the high exalted?
SHAKIR: He said: O
Iblis! what prevented you that you should do obeisance to him whom I created
with My two hands? Are you proud or are you of the exalted ones?
038.076
YUSUFALI: (Iblis)
said: "I am better than he: thou createdst me from fire, and him thou createdst
from clay."
PICKTHAL: He said: I
am better than him. Thou createdst me of fire, whilst him Thou didst create of
clay.
SHAKIR: He said: I am
better than he; Thou hast created me of fire, and him Thou didst create of dust.
038.077
YUSUFALI: (Allah)
said: "Then get thee out from here: for thou art rejected, accursed.
PICKTHAL: He said: Go
forth from hence, for lo! thou art outcast,
SHAKIR: He said: Then
get out of it, for surely you are driven away:
038.078
YUSUFALI: "And My
curse shall be on thee till the Day of Judgment."
PICKTHAL: And lo! My
curse is on thee till the Day of Judgment.
SHAKIR: And surely My
curse is on you to the day of judgment.
038.079
YUSUFALI: (Iblis)
said: "O my Lord! Give me then respite till the Day the (dead) are raised."
PICKTHAL: He said: My
Lord! Reprieve me till the day when they are raised.
SHAKIR: He said: My
Lord! then respite me to the day that they are raised.
038.080
YUSUFALI: (Allah)
said: "Respite then is granted thee-
PICKTHAL: He said:
Lo! thou art of those reprieved
SHAKIR: He said:
Surely you are of the respited ones,
038.081
YUSUFALI: "Till the
Day of the Time Appointed."
PICKTHAL: Until the
day of the time appointed.
SHAKIR: Till the
period of the time made known.
038.082
YUSUFALI: (Iblis)
said: "Then, by Thy power, I will put them all in the wrong,-
PICKTHAL: He said:
Then, by Thy might, I surely will beguile them every one,
SHAKIR: He said: Then
by Thy Might I will surely make them live an evil life, all,
038.083
YUSUFALI: "Except Thy
Servants amongst them, sincere and purified (by Thy Grace)."
PICKTHAL: Save Thy
single-minded slaves among them.
SHAKIR: Except Thy
servants from among them, the purified ones.
038.084
YUSUFALI: (Allah)
said: "Then it is just and fitting- and I say what is just and fitting-
PICKTHAL: He said:
The Truth is, and the Truth I speak,
SHAKIR: He said: The
truth then is and the truth do I speak:
038.085
YUSUFALI: "That I
will certainly fill Hell with thee and those that follow thee,- every one."
PICKTHAL: That I
shall fill hell with thee and with such of them as follow thee, together.
SHAKIR: That I will
most certainly fill hell with you and with those among them who follow you, all.
038.086
YUSUFALI: Say: "No
reward do I ask of you for this (Qur'an), nor am I a pretender.
PICKTHAL: Say (O
Muhammad, unto mankind): I ask of you no fee for this, and I am no simulating.
SHAKIR: Say: I do not
ask you for any reward for it; nor am I of those who affect:
038.087
YUSUFALI: "This is no
less than a Message to (all) the Worlds.
PICKTHAL: Lo! it is
naught else than a reminder for all peoples
SHAKIR: It is nothing
but a reminder to the nations;
038.088
YUSUFALI: "And ye
shall certainly know the truth of it (all) after a while."
PICKTHAL: And ye will
come in time to know the truth thereof.
SHAKIR: And most
certainly you will come to know about it after a time.